Fast N Furious Du 2017

2.12.17

1 week removed from RNR NOLA...

While I always like kicking off the multisport season, this was likely a poor decision, as I will still feeling the effects of the marathon, and, I had not been on the bike since November.  Additionally, I'd had my bike fitting just a few weeks prior, and, had yet to ride it after the adjustments.

But, I never claimed to be smart.

I had several friends racing in those one, including Jan, who I talked into participating just 1 day before the race.

I've raced on this course 7 times before, and, knew exactly what to expect:

• Small Field

• Some CRAZY fast athletes

• a windy bike course

I arrived to a fairly mild day, allowing for just my FWTRI kit and calf sleeves.  However, it was VERY windy.   And, unlike normal, the wind was out of the north.  As a result, the bike course would be even tougher, as we would be riding into the wind while conquering the only hill on the course...3 times.

Other than some right knee pain (residual from NOLA), I thought my runs would be ok and I would struggle on the bike.  

Run 1:

I got off to a good, fast start, and was pacing sub 8 for the 1st 1/4 mile.  But, as we made the tun on the practice track, we hit a brutal headwind.  I scaled back a little, but, felt good on the run, 8:17, 8:28 per Strava.  17:03 per results.   My fastest 2 mile run on this course in 13 attempts.

T1:  Uneventful.  1:23

Bike:

heading out of the infield thru the tunnel was frustrating, as cyclists were struggling up the hill and riding 2 wide.  I finally passed and hit the 5 mile loop for the 1st of 3 loops.  I knew Ii'd be nowhere near my 18.7 mph pace from November's Du, but, wanted to push hard on the bike.  As I made the turn to head down the southbound stretch, I could feel the big wind pushing me...it wouldn't last.  As the course turned back west, and north, the headwind was brutal.  Lap 1:  18:09 (16.5 mph).  I was getting warmed up, but, the wind was brutal.  Lap 2 was a little better at 17:21 (17.3 mph).  Lap 3 was going "okay" until just after the last hill.  My right calf locked up with a cramp, causing me to dismount the bike and stretch.  Not good.  I've never had that in a race setting before.  I lost a minute or so before I was able to continue.  Lap 3:  19:04 (15.7 mph).  Overall, Strava had me 16.2 miles at 16.9 mph.  meh.  


T2:  1:29.  too slow.  I was stiff getting off the bike, and, my cap had blown away due to the wind.  I tracked it down before heading out for the run.  


Run 2: 

I finally loosened up a bit.  I booked a mediocre 9:15 1st mile, but, was able to speed up to 9:03 for mile 2.

Total Time:  1:36:36.  Slow.

11.2013:  1:40:28
02.2014:  1:37:03
11.2014:  1:44:500
2.2015:    1:39:23
11.2015   (USAT Long Course Du)
02.2016:  1:35:57
11.2016:  1:31:20
02.2017:  1:36:36



The best part of the day...all the racing friends that raced or spectated that day. It feels great to be a part of a supportive community of endurance athletes.









I've got some work to do on the bike to get ready for the season...